The Turkic Students’ Association at the University of Toronto – Turan UofT – is a cultural and community-based student group dedicated to uniting and empowering Turkic-identifying students across all campuses. Turkic peoples are not limited to modern-day Türkiye; our roots stretch from East Turkestan to Hungary, encompassing a wide array of communities such as Uyghurs, Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Tatars, Bashkirs, Azerbaijani Turks, Gagauz, and many others.

For centuries, many of these communities have faced political oppression, forced assimilation, and cultural erasure. Today, more than ever, it is vital that we preserve, celebrate, and share the rich traditions, languages, and identities that define Turkic heritage.

At Turan UofT, we strive to build a home away from home for Turkic students. We aim to provide a platform for cultural expression, intercultural dialogue, and collective solidarity. Through events such as our annual Nowruz celebration – which brings together Uyghur, Tatar, Turkish, Kazakh, Azerbaijani, and other Turkic students – we create spaces of belonging, remembrance, and joy.

Members can expect cultural events, language exchange sessions, traditional arts showcases, educational seminars, and meaningful conversations about our shared histories and futures. Whether you are Turkic yourself or simply curious to learn more, Turan UofT welcomes you.

Let’s remember. Let’s reconnect. Let’s feel at home – together.